Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Operating Results for the First Quarter of 2025

Core Viewpoint - Heartland Express, Inc. reported financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting challenges such as adverse weather, tariff uncertainties, and operating cost inflation that outpaced freight demand and rate improvements [1][2]. Financial Results - Operating revenues for Q1 2025 were $219.4 million, down from $270.3 million in Q1 2024 [2]. - Fuel surcharge revenues were $26.3 million, compared to $36.2 million in the same period of 2024 [2]. - The net loss was $13.9 million, an improvement from a net loss of $15.1 million in Q1 2024 [2]. - Basic loss per share was $0.18, compared to $0.19 in Q1 2024 [2]. - The operating ratio was 106.8%, with a non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio of 107.1%, compared to 105.3% and 105.6% respectively in Q1 2024 [2]. Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Expenditures - As of March 31, 2025, cash balances increased to $23.9 million, up by $11.1 million since December 31, 2024 [3]. - Debt and financing lease obligations were $199.6 million, down from $447.3 million at the time of the CFI acquisition in August 2022 [3]. - The company had $88.3 million in available borrowing capacity on its unsecured line of credit as of March 31, 2025 [3]. - Total assets were reported at $1.3 billion, with stockholders' equity of $807.7 million [3]. Cash Flows - Net cash flows from operations for Q1 2025 were $25.8 million, representing 11.8% of operating revenue [4]. - Cash used for financing activities included $1.3 million for debt repayment and $1.6 million for dividends [4]. - The primary cash outflow for investing activities was $11.7 million for net property and equipment transactions [4]. Fleet Information - The average age of the consolidated tractor fleet was 2.6 years as of March 31, 2025, compared to 2.4 years in the previous year [5]. - The average age of the consolidated trailer fleet was 7.4 years as of March 31, 2025, down from 6.7 years in 2024 [6]. Dividends and Share Repurchase - A regular dividend of $0.02 per share was declared and paid on April 4, 2025 [7]. - Cumulative cash dividends paid amounted to $556.8 million since 2003 [7]. - No shares were repurchased in Q1 2025 or the same period in 2024, with the ability to repurchase an additional 6.0 million shares under current authorization [7]. Awards and Recognition - The company and its employees received awards for service and fleet safety, including the PepsiCo - 2024 Carrier of the Year (West) and TCA Fleet Safety Award 2024 - 2nd Place [10].